rns67
Journeyman
Reged: 07/01/02
Posts: 73
Loc: USA
|
|
First off, I need to mention that I have Crohn's Disease (and back problems, etc. Have had it half my life now. Anyway, I have been taking most of the same meds off and on all the while I've had it. There are only so many meds used for treatment. When it comes to pain meds...now that's a different story! You all know how that goes, that's why we are here, trying to find the treatment we know we need, but can't get from doctors anymore.
I have taken Hydro and Ultram both. Right now the Ultram is helping me enough to knock the edge off of my pain some. - Well, I go to a family doctor on Friday and he gives me a script for enough Ultram to get me through until Monday when I go and see a local internal med. doctor (who by the way has seen me plenty of times before for my condition). I go to him Monday and he proceeds to write the scripts out for the basic meds I need. THEN he asks my why I am taking Ultram!!! NO - HE DID NOT JUST ASK ME THAT DID HE? Well, DUH! I guess because I'm in PAIN, Do Ya Think?! He won't write me a script for it because 'he doesn't think' it will work for me, and I don't need it. I have a whole medicine cabinet full of stuff that doesn't work, that docs say WILL work!
How many times I remind myself of why I have to shell out the monies to order what I do need online. I have good insurance through my hubby's work (I'm on disability because of my medical condition). I mean it's only Ultram! Is that considered a 'bad drug' now, or something? I have enought o get me through tomorrow. I'm waiting on an overdue order of it from an IOP. Think maybe I should call the doc that gave me some on Friday, to call some in for me (hopefully my order will get here soon), or what? If the other doc won't give it to me what am I suppossed to do? Will I look like an Ultram seeker if I go back to the other doc? He does know that I was going to the other one on Monday. He had already sent my record from his visit on Friday to the other doc, because I told him that's where I was going. I did not think there would be any problem getting Ultram from him, so I just asked the first doctor to give me enough to get me through. Sorry about the rambling here ( I'm sounding like a broken record)...I'm upset and worried here...what to do - what to do? I give up
*Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place*
|
Opie_Yates
Old Hand
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 471
|
|
Ultram doesn't do doo-doo for me. Might as well be Skittles.
--------------------
I'm not a doctor, I just play one on a message forum!
|
quincy
Board Addict
Reged: 11/07/02
Posts: 333
Loc: pacific northwest
|
|
When I had a dilemma like this I used Prescriptions Key West and got my Ultram the next day. It wasn't exactly cheap, about 120 for 90 pills and shipping, but it beats withdrawl.
I just wanted something fast. If you have good medical records and can get everything together fast, I would also consider using a standard US OP. Actually with many of them (I use meds123) you can send in your medical records when its time for a refill. If you order first thing in the morning, you will probably get some hydro by the next day. It probably won't cost much more than using Key west prescriptions.
Anyways I hope you get through this OK. I could really use my next refill right now, Im overdue, but can't afford anything extra. I don't have conventional credit cards, just a pre-paid, so I have to rely on cash for everything. If I had a CC, I would have those meds in hand right now. I guess it depends on how badly you need meds. With Crohns disease I would think that you would be able to get pain pills pretty easily. I guess that even with a well-known painful disease that can potentially be fatal, there is no guarantee the doctors will give you anything. God, when I worked at the hospital, I remember Crohns patients on Morphine drips and who take methadone on a daily basis. I would seriously think about talking to your doctor and honestly telling him that your pain is not being controlled and that you would like to see an expert-a pain management doctor. He should have no objections since there is no guarantee that a PM will give you narcotics either, but you have the right to ask for a second opinion and I think you should demand this!! Don't let them make you suffer.
Quincy
PM me if you want to talk.
|
lala
Member
Reged: 06/21/03
Posts: 140
Loc: michigan
|
|
Well,some docs consider ultram as a drug.Because,it can be habit forming and most docs now,won't even give samples of ultram anymore.Why? They feel that ultram is like hydro.They don't want to give you anything that's gonna help you,when ultram 1st came out the docs would push the ultram so much that I got fed up with them and their rx writing ultram.Especially,if you were in lots of pain,most docs felt ultram was/is a cure all.If I'm in a lot of pain,I don't want no stupid non-narcotic ultram for pain relief.Ya know! Now since all the hype about the addictive property of ultram the company Ortho/McNeil,won't even provide samples to the doctors,to keep on hand for the impoverished/low-income population;which I think is totally ridiculous,but it's their product.Now,if you need ultram and cannot afford it,they'll enroll you in their own program that they provide to low-income/poor pops.The brand name ultram is still very expensive and I prefer it better than the others.BTW,the gov't is making everything so hard for CP'rs now-a-days.They make me want to puuuuuk.I agree with the 1post below;don't let these stupid docs tell you about your pain threshold,don't let them push these meds off on you-the one's that don't work;like vioxx/celebrex and the like.Demand to see a pain specialist because this is your right and I would let your PCP know that you need more ultram.B4 you run out.He/She shouldn't have a problem with calling some in and if they do then,do the next best thing OP.This type of stuff just makes me so mad.
OP's=Pain relief
lala  
|
lala
Member
Reged: 06/21/03
Posts: 140
Loc: michigan
|
|
Right on bra'
|
rns67
Journeyman
Reged: 07/01/02
Posts: 73
Loc: USA
|
|
Thanks for the replies! I guess I should add a little more information here. I have used a couple of the US OP's (FedexMeds & Meds123)for the Hydro, with no problems at all - got plenty of records for them to know that I got some pain issues going on here  Only rarely have I even gotten hydro from any local doctors. The reason for the Ultram use also, is the Hydro tolerance issue that I have. I decided to try the Ultram as something that I could switch to while taking a Hydro break. It didn't seem to work at first for me either, but after a few days with no Hydro use (getting it out of my system); it began to work. I guess I kinda adjust to it. I have ordered from some of the 'no consult' overnight OP's (PKW, etc.). I just can't dent the purse right now by using one of them - as much as I really wan't to. It just makes me want to bite nails into at how doctors sooo can undertreat patients with documented proof of their conditions! Maybe I should try chewing on some nails. If I break my teeth off...do you think I would be in sufficient pain then ? It's a never ending cycle I tell you.
Maybe I should really consider a Pain Specialist. I am so tired of this
|
toe
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/02
Posts: 1422
Loc: MidWest USA
|
|
A pain specialist. . .a different doctor, or a GOOD USOP, if you want regular and assured delivery of your meds. Of course, overseas is the cheapest, but if you can fill out a legitimate questionnaire and fax your medical records and a copy of your ID to an OP like www.youronlinedoctor.com www/midlandmc.com (my fvorite) www.southwestmedicalgroup.com
You can order a consult with a real doctor who will discuss your condition and your pain with you, offer advice, prescribe what you request (within reason) and call it into a pharmacy in 5 minutes. YOD and MMC both use very good pharmacies with great prices and the packages inculde both the standard medical info leaflet and the standard set of receipts, submissable to your insurance company for reimbursement. Getting reimbursement for the consult is another question, but you should be able to get your meds covered if you use one of these reliable sources.
--------------------
"It's the end of the World as We Know it. . ."
-REM "and I'm seeking asylum in Canada"-toe
|
ohd_37
Board Addict
Reged: 08/05/03
Posts: 399
Loc: up north, yankee all the way
|
|
i never would have guessed that this type of drug would be that hard to get,time for a new doc. imho.
--------------------
|
Folksong
Member
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 128
Loc: Texas
|
|
You really don't think if you just called the doc that prescribed them for you, and asked him, he wouldn't do it?? If it were me, I would just call him and be honest. Tell him that they really help you, but for some reason the other doc(Ultram Nazi) doesn't like using it. Would he call in a script for you? It's lots cheaper thru ins. I know, that ultram is expensive, I have about 120 of them rotting in the medicine cabinet. They Don't help me. They were pretty expensive, even with insurance. Well, good luck, sorry you're in a pickle!
Folksong----
I wish I were more like my dog. 
|
clark116
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/11/02
Posts: 221
|
|
 ULTRAM NAZI
--------------------
I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!
|
painster
Stranger
Reged: 08/09/03
Posts: 12
|
|
I don't know how many people out there are aware of a clearly defined fact in the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) and also in the package insert, is that Ultram and opiates are not supposed to be taken concomitantly(at the same time). This is especially true for opiate dependent patients. Tramadol(Ultram) can actually precipitate opiate withdrawl symptoms. So if you're taking 30+ mg of hydrocodone or other opiate a day, and are taking tramadol simultaneosly or using it for "breakthrough pain", I would recommend that you read the PDR or speak with a well informed physician. A good percentage of physicians out there do not not read thoroughly the contraindications of the medications they prescribe. They may read the handout brochure that the manufacturer representative provides, but that's it. If you run out of your normal pain medication such as codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, etc, then 24 hours after your last dose is the recommended safe time to start taking tramadol. It should not initiate any antagonistic effects with the minimal amount of opiate left in your system. For those of you that experience occassional withdrawl symptoms on those "hydro holidays" and you are extremely unconfortable as well as in pain, having a Darvon, Darvocet, actually any propoxyphene hydrochloride or napsylate can minimize the withdrawl symptoms. Darvon is typically the least effective narcotic analgesic on the market, but it can help with the withdrawl symptoms. I am not promoting the concomitant use of Darvon and Hydro though. Now if you've been taking both opiates and tramadol at the same time and have not experienced any side effects, then consider yourself lucky and do what you gotta do.
There's another thread out there on this board re: "if you or someone you know has experienced a seizure after taking tramadol", provide a response to the poll. I guarantee that a large percentage of those persons who suffered a seizure following the administration of tramadol were opiate dependant patients. I'm sure most of you are aware that opiate dependancy and tolerance is not addiction and that's one of the main obstacles in the medical profession in reference to proper pain management (sorry to go off on another tangent, but that irritates the heck out of me). I cannot understand a doctors reluctance to prescribe Ultram. If you take Ultram for a long period of time and at dosages higher than recommended, then there is chance of physical and psychological withdrawl symptom upon immediate cessation of use. It is not a controlled substance at this point and the potential for phychological dependence is present and it can be habit forming, but the chances are minimal. Physicians should speak to their patients regarding all medicines, including over-the-counter types, that have dependancy potential.
To get back to the subject at hand, doctors shouldn't hand it out like candy, but if there is evidence of legitimate pain, Ultram is the safest, most effective analgesic for moderate to severe pain.
That's my two cents worth, I hope I din't bore you too much.
Good day and good health,
Painster
|
Beetlenut
Threadhead
Reged: 09/09/02
Posts: 764
Loc: Colorado
|
|
Well, I remember when Ultram first came out Dr.'s were prescribing it like candy because it was "non-addicitive." Finally, a "non-addicitive" painkiller.
However, NOW I notice that the same doctors are becoming very, very hesitant to prescribe.
I have read many articles in print andon the internet in the past year that claim "Ultram" is in fact very addictive...
Hmmmm....
--------------------
|
quincy
Board Addict
Reged: 11/07/02
Posts: 333
Loc: pacific northwest
|
|
Wouldn't it be great if researchers found out that Vioxx and Celebrex caused euphoria and dependance in patients??
I bet they would stop throwing handfuls of that Best if kept off the board at us and start locking it up the way they do Ultram. I remember the rheumatologist I worked for had samples up to the roof of those little Ultram blister packs. I guess those days are over. I wonder why it took them so long to figure out Ultram made you euphoric and was addicting?
I was hoping they wouldn't catch on.
|
tansun
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/28/02
Posts: 1152
Loc: southern USA
|
|
I dont believe Ultram is euphoric for everyone. ( maybe at higher doses ??? I do not know as i have never taken more than 100mg at a time ) well , its not euphoric for me. But if it is for most people, thats why they are less likely to prescribe it now.
Tansun
--------------------
"Madam Meanness"
---------where theres a will, theres a way ----------
|
rns67
Journeyman
Reged: 07/01/02
Posts: 73
Loc: USA
|
|
Yea, I don't experience any euphoria from it. It just gives me energy to get things done (or at least it makes me get them done ). I don't take Hydro and Ultram at the same time. What I do that helps me out with the tolerance, is to take the Hydro for a period of time; and then switch over to the Ultram for awhile. This helps me (speaking only for myself here) with the tolerance issues somewhat.
|
quincy
Board Addict
Reged: 11/07/02
Posts: 333
Loc: pacific northwest
|
|
Hey rns67;
To me when a drug "gives you energy to do things", I think that is euphoria. Not to be a smart-aleck, but when I say euphoria I don't mean laying back tripping out over a narcotic. Euphoria can mean many things, one of them being an energy rush and motivation. Thats how most narcotics make me feel, energized, not drowsy. Its when you start taking them for that energy rush, that you need to re-evaluate your need for them. Im not trying to say you take them for that reason, but I have in the past, and that forced me to take a holiday from all meds. I just don't like to see anyone get hurt by narcotics. Addiction and tolerance can make you do stupid things you would not normally do. Be careful everyone.
Quincy
|
rns67
Journeyman
Reged: 07/01/02
Posts: 73
Loc: USA
|
|
Yep, that kind of euphoria I do have. I agree euphoria can mean anytime something makes you feel better I actually do think that Ultram acts as an anti-depressant also? Isn't that one of the things that it was originally used for - maybe?
|
redhill
Banned. Flames, offending others
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 278
Loc: Hell on Earth, for now
|
|
I wonder why it is that euphoria is considered an UNwanted side-effect? Shouldn't they be happy a pain pill can relieve mental pain as well as physical, for the duration? My pain doctor was fond of telling me he was the doctor that made people happy.
|
frymanjohn
Newbie
Reged: 06/08/02
Posts: 25
Loc: Gernany
|
|
try pharma24.cc, great price and good quality. Never lost an order.
Regards J.f
--------------------
fryamnjohn
|
yawkaw3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/22/03
Posts: 1193
|
|
I always get a chuckle when I see euphoria listed as an adverse reaction...
-yawkaw
|
Corrie
Board Addict
Reged: 07/16/02
Posts: 362
Loc: Southeast US
|
|
rns67, you're right, Ultram may have been originally marketed because of it's anti-depressant properties, but once they found that there were significant pain killing actions associated with this medicine, the developers switched gears and Ultram became marketed as a pain killer (it was originally developed in 1977 in Germany). http://opioids.com/tramadol/tramadol.html
(I can look up where I read the information from anti-depressant to pain killer -- it was about 6 or so months ago that I saw it).
Corrie
--------------------
|
Folksong
Member
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 128
Loc: Texas
|
|
Ultram as an antidepressant?? Makes sense. My rheum. wanted me to try Zoloft for depression, and told me not to take more than 4 Ultram a day(I wasn't taking any). Well, duh, the reason I can't stand the Ultram is because it made me so twitchy(and didn't help that much with the pain)...That's what most antidepress. meds do to me-give me tremors and make my skin crawl. shudder.
Original poster: did you get some relief?? Hope so.
cheers,
Folksong
|
Folksong
Member
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 128
Loc: Texas
|
|
To clarify--my rheum. said that if I took too much Ultram and Zoloft simultaneously, it could cause a siezure. sorry I didn't review my post more carefully.
Folksong
|
Trampy
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/02/02
Posts: 1230
Loc: Southwest U.S.
|
|
Quote:
(I can look up where I read the information from anti-depressant to pain killer -- it was about 6 or so months ago that I saw it). Corrie
Yes, please look it up for us. I've never seen any mention of tramadol being marketed as an antidepressant ... but i don't follow the German pharmaceutical news. McNeil (?) has the U.S. patent on using it for pain. A patent for depression would be a different patent. If it was patented in Germany before 1977, then the German patent has expired and so it would be considered an orphan drug here for use on depression because the U.S. respects German patents and so it would not be patentable here.
But if it WAS patented and marketed in Germany for pain, then McNeil would be able to mention that in the full product insert for doctors ... thereby suggesting that off-label use (since it never underwent FDA depression trials, it'd be an off-label use even though we respect German patents).
Bottom line. If this is true, i'd guess that doctors here would be prescribing it for depression and the manufacturer would be able to tell them about it. That'd be a lot more than what they use to sell Neurontin for all its off-label indications (that is, the successor to P-D, not McNeil) .. which is stretching the limits.
Sorry for going on so long, but being marketed in Germany for an indication would carry a lot more weight with the FDA than what made Neurontin a blockbuster ($2 B/yr) drug.
Tramadol increases serotonin levels, but it's not an SSRI ... and they don't know how it works. (But they don't know how a lot of drugs work for the FDA to approve the use.) Any FDA-legal use of a pain drug for depression would set a big precedent that would be great, in my opinion. Off-label use is legal and tramadol is not even scheduled, so doctors would not need to worry about being charged with illegal distribution. Some doctors were doing it with buprenorphine, and a few brave doctors have done studies on using strong opiates as ADs, but that's small potatoes compared to what would happen if the manufacturer of Ultram could list depression in their product insert. For that reason, i doubt it was marketed in Germany as an AD. Please prove me wrong.
Trampy
--------------------
Your mileage may vary ...
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit 
Reply 
Quote 
